Morgause
In
Arthurian legend,
Morgause (also known as
Anna-Morgause) is the half-sister of
King Arthur who slept with him and produced
Mordred, the incestuous heir that would lead to
Camelot's downfall. She is the daughter of the Duke of Cornwall and
Lady Igraine. She is married to King Lot, an enemy of Arthur in the rebellions following Arthur's coronation.
She has four siblings:
She has five children, all sons. From eldest to youngest they are:
- Gawaine, who becomes one of King Arthur's greatest knights
- Agravaine
- Gaheris
- Gareth
- Mordred, her son with her half-brother
Her children play key roles in the story of Arthur and his kingdom. She is active in
Le Morte D'Arthur.
In modern variations, defining role of Morgause (that of sleeping with her brother) is often assigned to Morgan le Fay and the character of Morgause sometimes ignored entirely.